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37. Twin Shadow "Five Seconds"

Album: ConfessProducer: George Lewis Jr., Chris TaylorLabel: 4AD

In 2012, indie music mostly shied away from bold displays of showmanship. Vocals were washed out and distant, soundscapes were fuzzy and electronically altered, and the music was, in many cases, meek and subtle, avoiding the in-your-face mentality of hip-hop, EDM, and mainstream rock. Twin Shadow's Confess handled things differently.

George Lewis Jr. stepped up as the closest thing to Freddie Mercury or Morrissey the indie rock world currently has to offer. With sharp production, an infectious melody, and dauntless lead vocals, Twin Shadow filled a void in independent music exemplified flawlessly on the dramatic "Five Seconds." — JM